~ Genealogy, History, and whatever else crosses my mind

Resolutions – genealogical and otherwise – for 2008

In thinking about ways I’d like to improve in 2008, I discovered that most of them revolve around “time.” A good friend of mine long ago claimed the 25th hour of the day should it ever be discovered. (Maybe I can convince him to share it with me if he does find it.) Here are my resolutions for 2008:

Have a schedule for each day. This one isn’t so much a resolution as it is a necessity. I’m taking 20 credit hours this quarter, plus my website/database work to do. I don’t think I’ll be able to start the day saying “Ok, today I’m going to work on A and B.” Instead, I need to say, “Ok, from noon until 1:00, I’m working on my Native American History paper and from 1:00 until 2:00, I’m working on converting the Civil War database.” (Obviously that’s a very shortened example!)

Organize my office. (If I had a dime for every year I’ve said that… ) During my Christmas break, I became increasingly frustrated by losing things in my office. I shudder to think of how much time I’ve wasted and lost just looking for things. It’s not really in that bad of shape (I’ve seen worse!), but it can definitely be improved. I think the first thing to go will be back issues of periodicals. If I need one, I know of several libraries where I can find them.

Devote 15 minutes each day to a “fun” project. This is a mental health necessity! Whether it is spending 15 minutes updating my file on WeRelate, finding info for DeafBiographies, or looking for census records of collateral relatives, I want to devote that time to something fun, productive, and fulfilling.

Make backups on a more regular basis. I do make backups, just not as often as I should 🙂